#fenixtj

Jessica's family parts, and ... and Jessica is likely glad they did. She..well, mom is one of the few folks on the planet she could cry to. And she even won at Risk! It was..yeah, she needed that.

"Jessica? How did it go?" Diego asks.

"Good. Planning to go up for Thanksgiving."

"Excellent. " Diego says "I have matters to bring up as your steward, but I worry they might dim your mood."

"Ignoring them won't help. Let's hear it."

"Well, the funeral and ceremony for Ricardo is soon. Big. They want you to say something... but I think theyr'e going with a Pooka Wake sort of thing, drinking and music and gags and games.. I want to take some of the dross to create some magical lighting to honor him. Can you make it? And any trouble with the dross being used for disco ball like effects?"

"I will be there and yes, use what you need."

"The other is less a matter of my tasks and more as my ideals as a modernist. Does it bother you that we've essentially be sold to a child sidhe?"

Jessica is quiet a moment. "I don't know. Diego, were just not large or strong enough to be completely independent. You see that, right?"

"I know... but we can make a difference. If I might?"

"What are you thinking?"

"I believe Summersrkye's hold is.. open. Tweak is making contacts. I think she's making a play for it...not for herself, but the Cooperative. It's not the type of 'common rule' I'd like... a bit too guild focused, but it's at least not noble. I think if we back her she might have a chance ...and that could lead to progress for us all"

She nods. "Good."

"So we're agreed on that. Glad. Next? You should meet the Duke. Request an Audience if need be. Go to him on your terms. "

She nods. "Good idea. Do you object to the childling part or the Sidhe part more?"

"What do you think?" A chuckle "The title offends me more than the seeming"

"Well, that's good too. Ok."

"By seeing the Duke first, you establish yourself as a leader in the city not just in our little fief, and you show yourself proactive. At least taht's my hope so I'm glad you agree to seek him out. Now... is there something I can do to help with anything?"

"Just male sure Ricardo's wake fits a hero."

"Honor as well as fun will be his," Diego says "I promise"

"Thank you. I guess I shpuld go figure out what to say."

"Truth will come easily to you I know. And you have passion even if you express it differently than some... the rest? Just words" A wink

A gentle puff. "Thanks, Diego."

"De Nada" And he leaves her while he goes off to prepare for the Wake.

Before she does, she pauses to look at her phone.

Siv sent a text letting her know theyr'e all home and good.

A call from Duff. No message

Her thumb hovers over the call back button.

And a call from number she doesn't recognize.

She calls that one.

"Hello. " A voice says , an old woman's voice "I'm Savanah Pucker"

"I'm sorry, I received a call from this number."

"Oh, is this Jessica King? if so I meant to call you"

Yes, this is me. I mean, this is Jessica King.

"Oh wonderful. Would you be willing to speak to Tierone then?"

"Oh! Yes! That is, yes, I'd be happy to."

"One moment, honey, I'll patch you through. They said you were nice." Before Jessica can ask who 'they' are...a call goes through and

"Mrs Pucker? I... oh.. she didn't even... pardon. Still getting used to a personal assistant phone wise. This is Tierone?"

"This is Jessica King.... can you speak freely?"

"As a matter of fact, I can. You're just the one I wanted to talk to.. first, glad you're out of your coma. We were worried"

"Thank you, your Grace. I intended to call you. I would like an audience at your earliest convenience.."

"When should I visit?"

"Here? Oh, Um. Anytime you like, Your Grace."

"I'll be there in a half hour. Informal meeting I think"

Jessica clears her throat. "I will see you then, Your Grace."

"Looking forward to it, until then." And he hangs up.

Jessica sprints for Maria and the other staff, informs them of the pending visitor, and then back to get changed into something.... else. Something presentable. And brush her hair.

RED ALERT RED ALERT! ALL HANDS ON DECK!

Yes indeed!

Buce says "We must assemble an honor guard!"